student wellbeing and engagement policy · 2018. 9. 11. · inclusive school environment consistent...
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Mount Waverley North Primary School School Policy
Policy Approved by: Education Committee – School Council
Effective Date: September 2018
Review by Date: November 2019
STUDENT WELLBEING AND ENGAGEMENT POLICY
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all students and members of our school community
understand:
(a) our commitment to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for students
(b) expectations for positive student behaviour
(c) support available to students and families
(d) our school’s policies and procedures for responding to inappropriate student behaviour.
Mount Waverley North Primary School is committed to providing a safe, secure and stimulating learning
environment for all students. We understand that students reach their full potential only when they are
happy, healthy and safe, and that a positive school culture helps to engage students and support them in
their learning. Our school acknowledges that student wellbeing and student learning outcomes are
closely linked.
The objective of this policy is to support our school to create and maintain a safe, supportive and
inclusive school environment consistent with our school’s values.
SCOPE
This policy applies to all school activities, including camps and excursions.
CONTENTS
1. School profile
2. School values, philosophy and vision
3. Engagement strategies
4. Identifying students in need of support
5. Rights and responsibilities
6. Shared expectations
7. Student behavioural expectations
8. Engaging with families
9. Evaluation
Mount Waverley North Primary School School Policy
Policy Approved by: Education Committee – School Council
Effective Date: September 2018
Review by Date: November 2019
IMPLEMENTATION
1.SCHOOL PROFILE
Mount Waverley North Primary School is the centre of a vibrant, active and supportive school community
with strong parental involvement. We take pride in preparing our students to thrive in today and
tomorrow's world as effective global citizens. We offer a challenging, meaningful and authentic
curriculum in an environment of care, collaboration, enterprise and mutual respect. Developing social
competence is a priority, with a whole school approach to student learning and wellbeing. The use of
High Impact Teaching Strategies across all levels of the school allow us to deliver excellence in teaching
and learning. Mount Waverley North Primary School promotes the value of living sustainably through
coordinated programs and practices that educate the school community about environmental awareness
and responsibilities. Our school motto is 'Aspire, Believe, Achieve', and our prime focus is to enable our
students to achieve success, particularly in Literacy and Numeracy, develop a strong feeling of
confidence and self-worth and develop skills that enable them to contribute positively to society.
A strong emphasis on a developmental approach to Literacy and Numeracy, along with outstanding
specialist programs are supported by a range of engaging and enriching school programs and extra-
curricular activities both within and beyond the classroom. These include STEM Programs, Coding,
Robotics, Chess, Choir, Drama and numerous Sporting activities. Mount Waverley North promotes
academic excellence and creativity, recognising the importance of educating the ‘whole child’.
Our learning spaces boast an abundance of spacious, contemporary and flexible learning spaces. We
have a strong commitment to embedding Digital Technologies throughout our curricular areas and have
invested in the latest technologies to enhance and engage our students. Our school grounds provide
students with fun, safe and varied play spaces. A successful Outside School Hours Care program and
facility is popular with families and complements our school provided Breakfast Club.
Our School values of Respect, Integrity, Excellence and Global Citizenship are central to the culture of
our school and provide a strong framework for our Students, Staff and School Community to flourish.
2.SCHOOL VALUES, PHILOSOPHY AND VISION
Mount Waverley North Primary School is committed to providing a safe, supportive and inclusive
environment for all students, staff and members of our community. Our school recognises the importance
of the partnership between our school and parents and carers to support student learning, engagement
and wellbeing. We share a commitment to, and a responsibility for, creating an inclusive and safe school
environment for our students. The programs and teaching at Mount Waverley North Primary School
support and promote the principles and practice of Australian democracy, including a commitment to:
elected government
the rule of law
Mount Waverley North Primary School School Policy
Policy Approved by: Education Committee – School Council
Effective Date: September 2018
Review by Date: November 2019
equal rights for all before the law
freedom of religion
freedom of speech and association
the values of openness and tolerance
School Vision
At Mount Waverley North Primary School we:
Have high expectations and challenge ourselves to reach for aspirational goals
Are an inclusive learning environment. Our students, families, staff and the wider community commit to
positive relationships to achieve social-emotional wellbeing and academic success
Cater for the needs of our students by providing engaging curriculum and innovative practices
Nurture curiosity and inquiring minds by providing rich learning experiences.
Are courageous, resourceful learners who are self-aware and empathetic.
School Values
At Mount Waverley North Primary School we promote a learning environment that engages all students,
families and staff in working together as a learning community.
Our core School values are:
Respect - We respect ourselves, each other and the environment. We interact with others in a positive,
courteous and kind manner. We celebrate our differences and diversity.
Integrity - We take responsibility for our actions and we are reliable and trustworthy. We are honest and
truthful. We are fair and always give our best.
Excellence - We have high expectations of ourselves and those around us. We maintain a growth
mindset and strive to achieve our goals. We seek continuous improvement.
Global Citizenship - We have an appreciation for and are curious about the world, its cultures and the
diversity of its peoples. We are prepared to take action to better our world, both locally and beyond.
Mount Waverley North Primary School School Policy
Policy Approved by: Education Committee – School Council
Effective Date: September 2018
Review by Date: November 2019
3.ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES
Mount Waverley North Primary School has developed a range of strategies to promote engagement,
positive behaviour and respectful relationships for all students in our school. We acknowledge that some
students may need extra social, emotional or educational support at school, and that the needs of
students will change over time as they grow and learn.
A summary of the universal (whole of school), targeted (year group specific) and individual engagement
strategies used by our school is included below:
Universal
high and consistent expectations of all staff, students and parents and carers
prioritise positive relationships between staff and students, recognising the fundamental role this
plays in building and sustaining student wellbeing
we engage in a Positive Education approach with our staff and students, with the aim of
supporting the wellbeing of all students at our school (see Appendix 1)
creating a culture that is inclusive, engaging and supportive
welcoming all parents/carers and being responsive to them as partners in learning
analysing and being responsive to a range of school data such as attendance, Attitudes to
School Survey, parent survey data, student management data and school level assessment data
deliver a guaranteed and viable curriculum based on the Victorian Curriculum
teachers at Mount Waverley North Primary School follow a common instructional framework to
ensure an explicit, consistent and shared model of instruction which is evidenced-based and
supported by High Impact Teaching Strategies are incorporated into all lessons
teachers at Mount Waverley North Primary School adopt a broad range of teaching and
assessment approaches to effectively respond to the diverse learning styles, strengths and
needs of our students and follow the standards set by the Victorian Institute of Teaching
our school’s Statement of Values are incorporated into our curriculum and promoted to students,
staff and parents so that they are shared and celebrated as the foundation of our school
community
carefully planned transition programs to support students moving into different stages of their
schooling
positive behaviour and student achievement is acknowledged in the classroom, and formally in
school assemblies and communication to parents
monitor student attendance and implement attendance improvement strategies at a whole-
school, cohort and individual level
students have the opportunity to contribute to and provide feedback on decisions about school
operations through the Student Representative Council and other forums including year group
meetings. Students are also encouraged to speak with their teachers, Year Level Coordinator,
Assistant Principal and Principal whenever they have any questions or concerns.
create opportunities for cross—age connections amongst students through school plays,
athletics, music programs and our Buddy programs
Mount Waverley North Primary School School Policy
Policy Approved by: Education Committee – School Council
Effective Date: September 2018
Review by Date: November 2019
all students are encouraged to speak to their teacher, Year Level Leader, or a member of the
Principal Team if they would like to discuss a particular issue or feel as though they may need
support of any kind. We are proud to have an ‘open door’ policy where students and staff are
partners in learning
programs, incursions and excursions developed to address issue specific behaviour where
required
opportunities for student inclusion (i.e. sports teams, clubs, recess and lunchtime activities)
Targeted
each year group has a Year Group Leader/Coordinator, a senior teacher responsible for their
year, who monitor the health and wellbeing of students in their year, and act as a point of contact
for students who may need additional support
connect all Koorie students with a Koorie Engagement Support Officer
all students in Out-of-Home-Care will be appointed a Learning Mentor, have an Individual
Learning Plan and will be referred to Student Support Services for an Educational Needs
Assessment
wellbeing and health staff will undertake health promotion and social skills development in
response to needs identified by student wellbeing data, classroom teachers or other school staff
each year
staff will apply a trauma-informed approach to working with students who have experienced
trauma
All students at risk will be monitored by teachers and Leadership. Support will be offered to the
students and/or their family including SSSO, Family Services or other agencies as needed.
Individual
Student Support Groups, see:
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/principals/spag/participation/pages/supportgroups.aspx
Individual Learning Plans and Behaviour Support Plans
Program for Students with Disabilities
referral to School Chaplain and/or Student Support Services
referral to ChildFirst
Lookout Centre referrals
Mount Waverley North Primary School implements a range of strategies that support and promote
individual engagement. These can include:
building constructive relationships with students at risk or students who are vulnerable due to
complex individual circumstances
meeting with student and their parent/carer to talk about how best to help the student engage
with school
developing an Individual Learning Plan and/or a Behaviour Support Plan
considering if any environmental changes need to be made, for example changing the
classroom set up
Mount Waverley North Primary School School Policy
Policy Approved by: Education Committee – School Council
Effective Date: September 2018
Review by Date: November 2019
referring the student to:
o school-based wellbeing supports
o Student Support Services
o appropriate external supports such as council based youth and family services, other
allied health professionals, headspace, child and adolescent mental health services or
ChildFirst
Where necessary the school will support the student’s family to engage by:
being responsive and sensitive to changes in the student’s circumstances and health and
wellbeing
collaborating, where appropriate and with the support of the student and their family, with any
external allied health professionals, services or agencies that are supporting the student
monitoring individual student attendance and developing an Attendance Improvement Plans in
collaboration with the student and their family
running regular Student Support Group meetings for all students:
o with a disability
o in Out of Home Care
o and with other complex needs that require ongoing support and monitoring.
4.IDENTIFYING STUDENTS IN NEED OF SUPPORT
Mount Waverley North Primary School is committed to providing the necessary support to ensure our
students are supported intellectually, emotionally and socially. All staff play a significant role in
developing and implementing strategies help identify students in need of support and enhance student
wellbeing. Mount Waverley North Primary School will utilise the following information and tools to identify
students in need of extra emotional, social or educational support:
personal, health and learning information gathered upon enrolment and while the student is
enrolled
attendance records
academic performance
observations by school staff such as changes in engagement, behaviour, self-care, social
connectedness and motivation
attendance, detention and suspension data
engagement with families
self-referrals or referrals from parents
assessments/information performed by external providers
Behaviour Support Plans, prior Individual Learning Plans, Student Support Group meetings.
Mount Waverley North Primary School School Policy
Policy Approved by: Education Committee – School Council
Effective Date: September 2018
Review by Date: November 2019
5.RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Schools have a responsibility to provide an educational environment that ensures that all students are
valued and cared for, feel they are part of the school, and can engage effectively in their learning and
experience success.
the school will collaboratively develop and implement a fair and respectful whole-school
engagement and behaviour management approach;
the school’s curriculum will include pro-social values and behaviour to enable students to acquire
knowledge and skills, value diversity and build a culture of learning, community and engagement;
the school will improve student outcomes through promoting active student participation;
the school will support families to engage in their child’s learning and build their capacity as active
learners;
the school will establish social, emotional and educational support for vulnerable students and
monitor and evaluate progress;
the school will have processes in place to identify and respond to individual students who require
additional assistance and support;
the school will build strong links with the local community to gain access to an extended network
of community members, professionals and educators.
Rights
Every member of the Mount Waverley North Primary School community has a right to fully participate in
an educational environment that is safe, caring, supportive and inclusive and built on positive
relationships. Students have a right to learn in an environment that actively encourages a belief in
equality and values differences. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity and enjoy an
environment free from abuse, bullying (including cyber bullying), harassment, violence, discrimination
and intimidation.
Responsibilities
Every member of the Mount Waverley North Primary School Community has the responsibility to:
contribute to creating a safe and supportive environment
respect the rights of other people
treat each other as equals
value differences.
STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Students have the right to:
participate fully in their education
feel safe, secure and happy at school
learn in an environment free from bullying (including cyber-bullying), harassment, violence,
discrimination, abuse or intimidation
express their ideas, feelings and concerns.
Mount Waverley North Primary School School Policy
Policy Approved by: Education Committee – School Council
Effective Date: September 2018
Review by Date: November 2019
Students have the responsibility to:
participate fully in their educational program
attend school regularly
display positive behaviours that demonstrate respect for themselves, their peers, their teachers
and members of the school community
demonstrate respect for the rights of others, including the right to learn
contribute to an engaging educational experience for themselves and other students
gradually take greater responsibility for their own learning and participate as members of the
whole school community. This involves developing as individual learners who increasingly
manage their own learning and growth by setting goals and managing resources to achieve these
goals
display positive behaviours that demonstrate respect for themselves, their peers, their teachers
and all other members of the school community
speak politely and respectfully to students, teachers and others
treat other students with mutual respect
speak up if they are being abused, bullied or harassed
speak out if they see someone else being abused, bullied or harassed
respect the property of the school and others.
Students who may have a complaint or concern about something that has happened at school are
encouraged to approach a trusted teacher or a member of the Principal Team and speak to their parents
or carers about the issue.
PARENT/CARER RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Parents/Carers have the right to:
expect that their children will be educated in a safe, secure environment in which care, courtesy
and respect for the rights of others are encouraged
have open and respectful communication with the school regarding their child’s learning and
wellbeing.
Parents/Carers have the responsibility to:
promote positive educational outcomes for their children by taking an active interest in their
child’s educational progress and by modelling and reinforcing positive behaviours
ensure their child’s regular attendance
engage in constructive communication with school staff regarding their child’s learning
support the school in maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for all students
speak out if their child or someone else is being abused, bullied or harassed
engage in positive dialogue with all members of the school community, treating others with
respect and dignity
value the differences of all community members
actively support all school policies and protocols.
Mount Waverley North Primary School School Policy
Policy Approved by: Education Committee – School Council
Effective Date: September 2018
Review by Date: November 2019
SCHOOL STAFF RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
School Staff have the right to:
expect that they will be able to teach in an orderly and cooperative environment
be informed, within Privacy requirements, about matters relating to students that will affect the
teaching and learning program for that student.
School Staff have the responsibility to:
demonstrate care, concern and compassion
fairly, reasonably and consistently, implement the engagement, wellbeing and inclusion policy
know how students learn and how to teach them effectively
know the content they teach
know their students
plan and assess for effective learning
create and maintain safe and challenging learning environments
speak out and respond if someone else is being abused, bullied or harassed
use a range of teaching strategies and resources to engage students in effective learning
engage in positive dialogue with all members of the school community, treating others with
respect and dignity
fairly, reasonably and consistently implement the Student Wellbeing and Engagement Policy and
Child Safe Code of Conduct, Processes and Procedures.
6.SHARED EXPECTATIONS
Mount Waverley North Primary School shares high expectations for the whole school community.
The shared school expectations include:
development of an environment where all members behave in accordance with the school values,
rights and responsibilities and code of conduct
provision of a physical environment that is vibrant, stimulating, safe and inclusive, where student
achievement is celebrated
promotion of regular attendance
inclusive teaching practices
accessible educational provision for all students
development and provision of appropriate, relevant and challenging curriculum that gives
students the opportunity to experience success in their learning
create a school environment that actively promotes positive relationships and child safety
positive and continuous parent/carer partnerships and liaison
community partnerships which engage families and the community in ways that support student
achievement and success
provision of appropriate student support services.
Mount Waverley North Primary School School Policy
Policy Approved by: Education Committee – School Council
Effective Date: September 2018
Review by Date: November 2019
7.STUDENT BEHAVIORUAL EXPECTATIONS
Behavioural expectations of students, staff and families are grounded in our school’s Statement of
Values. Student bullying behaviour will be responded to consistently with Mount Waverley North Primary
School’s Bullying Prevention policy.
When a student acts in breach of the behaviour standards of our school community, Mount Waverley
North Primary School will institute a staged response, consistent with the Department’s Student
Engagement and Inclusion Guidelines. Where appropriate, parents will be informed about the
inappropriate behaviour and the disciplinary action taken by teachers and other school staff.
Disciplinary measures may be used as part of a staged response to inappropriate behaviour in
combination with other engagement and support strategies to ensure that factors that may have
contributed to the student’s behaviour are identified and addressed. Disciplinary measures at our school
will be applied fairly and consistently. Students will always be provided with an opportunity to be heard.
Disciplinary measures that may be applied (in no particular order) include:
advising a student that their behaviour is inappropriate and a reminder about expected behaviour
in relation to the school values
teacher controlled consequences such as moving a student within a classroom or other
reasonable and proportionate responses to misbehaviour
logical consequences
parent notification
referral to the Year Level Coordinator
referral to the Principal Team
restorative practices
behaviour reviews
suspension
expulsion
Suspension and expulsion are measures of last resort and may only be used in particular situations
consistent with Department policy, available at:
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/principals/spag/participation/pages/engagement.aspx
Corporal punishment is prohibited in our school and will not be used in any circumstance.
Mount Waverley North Primary School School Policy
Policy Approved by: Education Committee – School Council
Effective Date: September 2018
Review by Date: November 2019
8.ENGAGING WITH FAMILIES
Mount Waverley North Primary School values the input of parents and carers, and we will strive to
support families to engage in their child’s learning and build their capacity as active learners. We aim to
be partners in learning with parents and carers in our school community.
We work hard to create successful partnerships with parents and carers by:
maintaining an open, respectful line of communication between parents and staff
providing parent volunteer opportunities so that families can contribute to school activities
involving families with homework and other curriculum-related activities
involving families in school decision making
coordinating resources and services from the community for families
including families in Student Support Groups, and developing individual plans for students
ensuring that all parents have access to our school policies and procedures, available on our
school website.
9. EVALUATION
Mount Waverley North Primary School will collect data each year to understand the frequency and types
of wellbeing issues that are experienced by our students so that we can measure the success or
otherwise of our school based strategies and identify emerging trends or needs.
Sources of data that will be assessed on an annual basis include:
student survey data
incidents data
school reports
parent survey
case management
CASES21
SOCS
This policy will be reviewed in line with the school’s Evaluation of Policies Timetable.
FURTHER INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
Statement of School Values and Philosophy
Child Safe Standards
Curriculum Framework Policy
Bullying Prevention Policy
Attendance Policy
Health Care Needs Policy
Inclusion and Diversity Policy
Student Leadership Policy
Catering for Individual Needs Policy
Mount Waverley North Primary School School Policy
Policy Approved by: Education Committee – School Council
Effective Date: September 2018
Review by Date: November 2019
APPENDIX 1 - Positive Education and Wellbeing Framework